AS Saint-Étienne continues its policy of strengthening for the future with the acquisition of Chico Lamba, a 22-year-old Portuguese central defender. This transfer, of a significant amount for a Ligue 2 club, bears witness to the great expectations placed in this player of 1.90 meters. Trained at Sporting Portugal, Lamba shone last season with Arouca in Liga Portugal, confirming its exceptional potential. Observers such as Eduardo Pedrosa Marques, Portuguese newspaper A Bola, highlight his talent, considering him one of the best players of his generation and predicting a selection in Portugal’s National A Team.

What specifically distinguishes Chico Lamba is its surprising speed for its size, allowing it to effectively cover the depth in a high block. It also has a remarkable recovery quality, characterized by its precision and its reading of the game, often initiating offensive phases. His experience in Portuguese selections, as far as the Hopes, and his integration into the Euro Espoirs model team are proof of his talent. According to observers, Lamba has already given some leadership, despite its introverted character, and has the potential to become captain of ASSE in the coming seasons.

Although promising, Chico Lamba still needs to refine the timing of his tables, sometimes too hasty. However, ASSE offers an ideal framework for progress, in a workforce in the midst of reconstruction and with a clear project. The arrival of this player, described as a rough diamond, may well mark a turning point for the Stéphanois club. His visit to Saint-Étienne was seen as an important step before a potential career in a larger Ligue 1 team or elsewhere. The success of this season will determine its future trajectory and may delight the Stéphanois supporters.